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The Claremont Colleges Special Collections at The Claremont Colleges The Claremont Colleges Library | Ella Strong Denison Library
Rare books, manuscripts, and archives of The Claremont Colleges

First Time User Registration

The Claremont Colleges Library and the Ella Strong Denison Library at Scripps College welcome the use of our rare and unique collections. Registering for a Special Collections account will allow you to request materials to view in person in our reading rooms at Special Collections and Denison Library or to request copies for remote research. Please contact us with any questions about accessing the collections.

With your Special Collections account you can

  • Submit requests for materials
  • Order & download digital scans/photocopies
  • Track the status of your requests
  • Access detailed information about requests

You can place requests directly from

For step by step instructions on how to request books, archival collections and other materials see our Special Collections Access Guide.

Access Guidelines

Please read the following information and acknowledge that you agree to abide by these guidelines by pressing the Accept Access Guidelines button at the end of this page.

Accessing the Collections

  • Your information: The information we collect during account registration is for the purpose of facilitating your use of the collections. It is kept private and confidential.
  • Requesting materials: We ask that you place requests at least one day in advance to allow staff time to page materials and place them on hold ahead of your visit.
  • Check-in: Please check in at the Reading Room desk and present your photo identification.
  • Your belongings: Please place belongings (including bags, purses, coats, etc.) in the provided storage area upon entry.
  • Permitted items: You are welcome to use pencils, notebooks, blank paper, laptops and tablets without their cases, and phones and cameras with sound off. Please store pens, binders, folders, and other papers with your belongings.
  • Food & drink: Food and drink are not permitted in the Reading Room to promote the preservation of the collections. You are welcome to visit the Honnold Café for refreshments.

Handling the Collections

Help us to protect our materials by following these handling guidelines.

  • Keep hands clean & dry: Before handling materials, we ask that you wash and dry your hands.
  • Books: Please use the provided book supports. Staff will also provide book weights to hold pages gently open.
  • Archival material: Please use one folder at a time and lay materials flat on the table. Please report any materials that are out of order to a staff member.
  • Photographic materials: Cotton gloves are provided for handling photographic prints that are not sleeved.
  • Other formats held in Special Collections require specific types of handling, and a staff member will assist you with those materials.

Copyright & Reproductions

  • Copyright notice: You are responsible for using materials in accordance with United States copyright law (Title 17 United States Code). Staff may notify you if, in our judgment, fulfillment of a copy/scan order might violate copyright law. For more information and guidance, see Copyright & Permissions.
  • Photoduplication requests: We offer photoduplication services for a nominal fee. Please visit Formats & Fees for further details.
  • Personal photography: You are welcome to use your own camera or our book scanner to capture images of materials for personal research. We ask that you refrain from using flash photography and use extra care. Please ask a staff member for additional assistance.

By pressing the button below, you acknowledge and agree to abide by all of the guidelines above.